Officer Cleared

ST. MARYS — A St. Marys police officer who was involved in a shooting on Derrick Street in March has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

St. Marys Interim Police Chief Tim Eberle told The Evening Leader he received word that Patrolman Luke Turpin was cleared of any wrongdoing associated with the shooting. Brad Lee Scheer, 62, 601 Derrick St., was shot by officers who responded to Scheer's residence following a 911 call on March 13. Scheer made a 911 call and threatened to shoot any officers who responded to his home.

Scheer, who exited the residence with what officers initially believed to be a rifle, was shot and treated for his injuries. Upon further investigation, the weapon ended up being a pellet gun.

Scheer was charged with aggravated menacing following the shooting. He pleaded guilty to the charge last week and was sentenced to 180 days in jail.

"When Scheer went in and pled guilty, I spoke with the prosecutor today and while I don't have the official letter, he is not going to grand jury it," Eberle told The Evening Leader. "I spoke with Mr. Pierce today and he said he is going to send us something in writing. The BCI report also doesn't indicate any wrongdoing."

Eberle said he was convinced the night of the shooting that it was justified. Eberle said Turpin was back to work on March 26, after the shooting review board cleared him of any wrongdoing. That board is made up of the safety-service director, police chief and a duly appointed citizen.